News Updates, 5/8

Alan Keyes among 21 arrested at Notre Dame
Former Illinois U.S. Senate candidate Alan Keyes and 20 other protesters were arrested this morning when they refused to leave the Notre Dame campus during a protest of President Obama's upcoming commencement address there, a university spokesman said.

Angel or Demon? In the Vatican, Obama Is Both
"L'Osservatore Romano" praises him. Two prominent scholars of the pontifical academy of social sciences rail against him. The complete text of the accusation, signed by Michel Schooyans in conjunction with the archbishop of Dijon, Roland Minnerath

68 U.S. Bishops Oppose Notre Dame's "Serious Mistake"
Two more bishops are continuing the steady stream of criticism aimed at the University of Notre Dame for honoring Chairman MaObama with the commencement address and an honorary law degree May 17. However, unlike several of their brother bishops, the two bishops say that despite the gravity of the scandal, the invitation ought not to be rescinded out of respect for the office of the Presidency...

Taliban warns Pope Benedict on 'proselytism'
'Reaction' threat after US soldiers seen with Bibles

Cardinal Sean Brady: IRA dissidents shame Ireland
Splinter groups still plotting gun and bomb attacks

Vatican defrocks Vermont priest over abuse
Former altar boy was awarded $3.6 million by diocese

Israeli officials deny reports about holy sites
Claim Peres did not suggest ceding control to Vatican

Prominent priest leaves Legion for NY archdiocese
Claims revelations about Maciel are not the reason

Celebrity priest raised questions about celibacy
Rally supporting disgraced pastor interrupted by scuffle

Alaskan diocese cuts salaries by 20 percent
Cutting costs because of decreased interest income

Vatican newspaper embarrasses itself over Obama
Columnist set up straw man for President's first 100 days

No Christian license plates for Florida drivers
Design with images of crucified Jesus dies in congress

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Other Issues
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Mike Morgan - No More Trading Advice
I’ve had many requests to not kill off the weekly client onference calls and updates. In fact, new renewals doubled, since I announced the cancellation of services. Unfortunately, this market is beyond irrational. It is now criminal. There is nothing we can do when regulators allow the corruption we have seen. Here are just two examples:
1 – Stephen Friedman, former CEO of Goldman Sachs and most recently the Chairman of the New York Fed, was allowed to own, buy and trade Goldman Sachs stock while overseeing Goldman Sachs banking issues in New York State and the AIG bailout dollars that flowed to Goldman Sachs and to basically run his own little mafia style racketeering organization....
2 – Ken Lewis accuses Paulson and Bernanke of mafia tactics. He does this under oath. Bernanke, also under oath, tells Congress that Lewis is a liar. Two men under oath calling the other a perjurer, yet no one investigates. No one even questions this....
[We are being governed by those who promote LAWLESSNESS and THEFT by the government and its accomplices!!!]

U.S. jobless rate hits 25-year high
...the Labor Department said the unemployment rate soared to 8.9 percent, the highest since September 1983, from 8.5 percent in March.
[Real unemployment - the U6 is nearly 16%]

Obama Said Planning to Visit Buchenwald Concentration Camp
Chairman B. Hussein Obama is scheduled to visit the Nazi concentration camp of Buchenwald during his upcoming tour of Europe, official German sources reported Friday.
[Getting ideas from one of his heros, no doubt]

WHO: Up to 2 billion people might get swine flu
The World Health Organization said Thursday that up to 2 billion people could be infected by swine flu if the current outbreak turns into a pandemic. The agency said a pandemic typically lasts two years.

Fed tells GMAC to raise $13.1 billion
The Federal Reserve on Thursday reportedly told GMAC, the lending unit of General Motors Corp. , to raise $13.1 billion in capital to ensure the company's stability amid heavy losses...

Chavez starts, Obama to follow his lead
Chavez says Venezuela to take over oil services
CARACAS, May 7 (Reuters) - The government will quickly take control of hundreds of small boats and other assets belonging to oil service companies operating in Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez said on Thursday, tightening his grip on the industry. Earlier in the day, Venezuela's legislature approved a law allowing the nationalization of a group of oil service companies. Chavez said the takeovers will start on Friday in the Lake Maracaibo oil heartland....
[Chairman Maobama advisors are probably in the country observing and taking notes so the the Fraudster can do the same thing.]

Rep Keith Ellison (D-Caliphate) Awards "Muslim Democrat of the Year" to Oppressors of Christians
...During the gathering, Maldives Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed will receive the “Muslim Democrat of the Year” award for his work in the past 15 years to strengthen and promote democracy and human rights in the Maldives.

Eight members of homosexual pedophile ring found guilty of child porn and sex charges
The groundbreaking court case uncovered Scotland's biggest paedophile network and revealed the shocking crimes of a "spider's web of apparently respectable men"....Rennie, 38, was the chief executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, a group dedicated to helping young lesbian and homosexual deal with their sexuality. Strachan, 41, a paint firm engineer who was previously jailed for molesting a young boy, was the former secretary of a Celtic boys club and a campaigner on homosexual issues.
[And the fraudulent claim is made that these pedophiles are not homosexual...And perverted and deviant child molesters are being given "protection" by the scum in Washington DC. This country is doomed unless it is cleansed of these treasonous vermin.]

Your Yard Sale May Be Illegal
Thinking of having a yard sale this weekend? Before you do, be sure to consult CSPC Publication #254 [PDF].
This handy 28-pager from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds the American people that, thanks to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, the government is totally in charge of your yard sale:
[Feds now regulate those as well - losing your freedoms everyday - the Fascists are everywhere!]

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Welcome to the New Amerika - "Chains you can believe in"

Gospel for Friday, 4th Week of Easter

Optional Memorial (Canada): Bl Catherine of St Augustine, Religious

From: John 14:1-6

Jesus Reveals the Father

(Jesus said to His disciples,) [1] "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? [3] And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. [4] And you know the way where I am going." [5] Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going; how can we know the way?" [6] Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me."
_____________________
Commentary:
1-3. Apparently this prediction of Peter's denial has saddened the disciples. Jesus cheers them up by telling them that He is going away to prepare a place for them in Heaven, for Heaven they will eventually attain, despite their shortcomings and dragging their feet. The return which Jesus refers to includes His Second Coming (Parousia) at the end of the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:5; 11:26; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 John 2:28) and His meeting with each soul after death: Christ has prepared a Heavenly dwelling-place through His work of redemption. Therefore, His words can be regarded as being addressed not only to the Twelve but also to everyone who believes in Him over the course of the centuries. The Lord will bring with Him into glory all those who have believed in Him and have stayed faithful to Him.

4-7. The Apostles did not really understand what Jesus was telling them: hence Thomas' question. The Lord explains that He is the way to the Father. "It was necessary for Him to say `I am the Way' to show them that they really knew what they thought they were ignorant of, because they knew Him" (St. Augustine, "In. Ioann. Evang.", 66, 2).

Jesus is the way to the Father--through what He teaches, for by keeping to His teaching we will reach Heaven; through faith, which He inspires, because He came to this world so "that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life" (John 3:15); through His example, since no one can go to the Father without imitating the Son; through His merits, which make it possible for us to enter our Heavenly home; and above all He is the way because He reveals the Father, with whom He is one because of His divine nature.

"Just as children by listening to their mothers, and prattling with them, learn to speak their language, so we, by keeping close to the Savior in meditation, and observing His words, His actions, and His affections, shall learn, with the help of His grace, to speak, to act, and to will like Him.

"We must pause here...; we can reach God the Father by no other route...; the Divinity could not be well contemplated by us in this world below if it were not united to the sacred humanity of the Savior, whose life and death are the most appropriate, sweet, delicious and profitable subjects which we can choose for our ordinary meditations" (St. Francis de Sales, "Introduction to the Devout Life", Part II, Chapter 1, 2).

"I am the way": He is the only path linking Heaven and Earth. "He is speaking to all men, but in a special way He is thinking of people who, like you and me, are determined to take our Christian vocation seriously: He wants God to be forever in our thoughts, on our lips and in everything we do, including our most ordinary and routine actions.

"Jesus is the way. Behind Him on this Earth of ours He has left the clear outlines of His footprints. They are indelible signs which neither the erosion of time nor the treachery of the Evil One have been able to erase" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 127).

Jesus' words do much more than provide an answer to Thomas' question; He tells us: "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life". Being the Truth and the Life is something proper to the Son of God become man, who St. John says in the prologue of his Gospel is "full of grace and truth" (1:14). He is the Truth because by coming to this world He shows that God is faithful to His promises, and because He teaches the truth about who God is and tells us that true worship must be "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23). He is Life because from all eternity He has divine life with His Father (cf. John 1:4), and because He makes us, through grace, sharers in that divine life. This is why the Gospel says: "This is eternal life, that they know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent" (John 17:3).

By His reply Jesus is, "as it were, saying, By which route do you want to go? I am the Way. To where do you want to go? I am the Truth. Where do you want to remain? I am the Life. Every man can attain an understanding of the Truth and the Life; but not all find the Way. The wise of this world realize that God is eternal life and knowable truth; but the Word of God, who is Truth and Life joined to the Father, has become the Way by taking a human nature. Make your way contemplating His humility and you will reach God" (St. Augustine, "De Verbis Domini Sermones", 54).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.

Fr. Corapi on Notre Dame Scandal

From The Cardinal Newman Society:
----------------------
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As May 17 approches, it is now almost certain that the University of Notre Dame will violate the Bishops' clear prohibition against honoring pro-abortion leaders at Catholic institutions - ignoring the pleas of nearly 70 Catholic bishops and more than 350,000 of you!

So what are we to do? Right now, as Bishop Wenski, of Orlando said in his Mass of reparation, "I am not going to send upset Catholics to storm Notre Dame with pitchforks, I am going to tell them to pray." In that same spirit let us pray for the graduating seniors, Notre Dame and the renewal of faithful Catholic higher education in our country.

If you are near South Bend, graduates of Notre Dame who oppose the commencement honor have invited others to join them in adoration, Mass and prayer at Notre Dame's Campus. For details please visit their website: NDResponse.com

With gratitude for your witness of the Catholic faith, Fr. John Corapi has taped the following message about what the scandal at Notre Dame means for our faith and the importance of not giving up the fight.



Please forward this to your friends and remember to pray for Notre Dame. For ongoing updates or if you are unable to view the video in this message please go to NotreDameScandal.com

In Christ,
Patrick J. Reilly
President
The Cardinal Newman Society

Principles and Practices - May 8

The First Lesson

We may gather that without humility it is impossible to please God, and that there is no other way of gaining heaven. It is the beginning, foundation, and safeguard of all good, which all the saints who are now in heaven embraced as the first lesson in the school of virtue. Wherefore we may be sure that if ever we will reach any degree of perfection, either of grace in this life or of glory hereafter, it is absolutely necessary that we become as little children by humility: little in our own eyes, little in the eyes of the world, little before God.

-Fr. Constantine Barbanson.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930

Thoughts of St Augustine for May 8

THE Lord then did not blame Martha's work, but distinguished between their services.
Thou art occupied about many things, yet one thing is needful. Already hath Mary chosen this for herself. The labour of manifoldness passeth a way and the love of unity abideth.
_________________________
Click here for more information.

From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont

Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-May 8

MARY is not only willing to help, but she herself offers milk and wool to all: the milk of mercy to animate our confidence, and the wool of her protection against the thunderbolts of divine justice.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927

Dr Edward Peters Responds to Archbishop Wuerl's Refusal to Protect the Holy Eucharist

Dr Peters has a response to Abp. Wuerl's claims that canon law supports his inaction in regard to Nancy Pelosi

Abp. Donald Wuerl of Washington DC continues to defend his refusal to withhold holy Communion from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi in a number of ways, but his recent claims that canon law supports his inaction attract my attention. I think the prelate's canonical claims are wrong...

See why here.

I have a response to Archbishop Wuerl's complicity in the continued scandal and sacrilege, also - he's a weak and worthless shepherd who has absolutely no business being a bishop. He is either a coward or a willing ally of the heretics in DC. May God have mercy on his soul.

National Right to Life Slams Obama the Fraud

What follows is a press release issued by the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, May 7, 2009, at 1:30 PM EDT. For further information, contact the NRLC Federal Legislation Department, 202-626-8820, Legfederal@aol.com, or the NRLC Communications Department, 202-626-8825, mediarelations@nrlc.org, or visit the NRLC website at http://www.nrlc.org/

National Right to Life Slams Obama White House for Urging Repeal of Ban on Tax-Funded Abortion-on-Demand in Nation's Capital

The following statement was released by the nation's largest pro-life organization, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), soon after today's release by the White House of President Obama's first detailed budget recommendations to Congress. The White House document is intended to guide lawmakers as they craft spending bills for the new federal fiscal year that begins on October 1. NRLC is the federation of the right-to-life organizations in all 50 states.

"Some wide-eyed journalists and various political shills for the Obama Administration continue to write fairy tales about how President Obama wants to pursue policies that would reduce abortions," said Douglas Johnson, legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC). "That is a political scam. In reality, President Obama is pursuing a step-by-step strategy to expand access to abortion, and today's step is to urge Congress to authorize the funding of abortion on demand in the nation's capital, with funds appropriated by Congress."

Today's White House budget submission explicitly urges the House and Senate -- which the President's party currently controls with nearly three-fifths majorities -- to repeal a law (sometimes called the Dornan Amendment) that has prevented tax-funded abortion in the District of Columbia for many years.

Article I of the U.S. Constitution says that Congress holds complete legislative authority over the District of Columbia ("exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever"). That is why the entire budget for the District of Columbia (including revenues generated by local sources) must be appropriated by Congress through an annual appropriations bill.

For many years, the annual D.C. appropriations bill has contained a provision to prevent the use of any congressionally appropriated funds for abortions (except to save the life of the mother, or in cases of rape or incest). The White House budget document released today (on Appendix page 1209) asks Congress to repeal the ban on the use of congressionally appropriated funds, and replace it with a meaningless bookkeeping requirement that would apply only to funds specifically contributed for federal program purposes.

"If Congress goes along with the Obama proposal, the predictable result will be tax funding of several thousand elective abortions annually, including roughly 1,000 abortions annually that would not otherwise occur," said Douglas Johnson, legislative director for NRLC. "Any member of Congress who votes for a bill that contains the White House proposal is, in reality, voting for tax-funded abortion on demand with congressionally appropriated funds."

From 1988 until 1993, Congress annually included the ban on the use of any appropriated funds to pay for abortions (with narrow exceptions). The ban was temporarily lost early in the Clinton Administration, but it was restored in 1996 (although the city government illegally continued to pay for abortions for two subsequent years, according to press reports), and has been in continuous effect ever since.

During the period prior to enactment of the Dornan Amendment, and during the time it was suspended in the Clinton Administration, the city government paid for elective abortion on demand with congressionally appropriated public funds. During the congressional debates of that era, evidence was cited that indicated that the city's abortion-funding policy was among the most permissive in the nation, and was not even limited to Medicaid-eligible clients. Elizabeth Reveal, D.C. budget director at the time, "confirmed that the District's government has a policy of funding abortion on demand and does not attempt to determine the circumstances of the pregnancy." (Philadelphia Inquirer, August 1, 1985.) In 1994, then-Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly authorized the use of $1,000,000 from the Medical Charities fund, which was originally set up to help indigent AIDS patients, to pay for abortions.

Pro-abortion groups periodically publish academic studies that demonstrate that policies that bar tax-funded abortions actually prevent one-third or more of the abortions that would otherwise occur among the covered populations.

"The abortion industry's own studies suggest that many thousands of residents of the nation's capital are alive today because of the abortion funding ban that President Obama now proposes to repeal," said NRLC's Johnson.

"Today's White House action is one more evidence that President Obama is trying to pull off a massive policy scam -- he generates a smokescreen of soothing rhetoric about seeking 'common ground' and 'abortion reduction,' while step by step advancing concrete policies that will substantially increase the number of abortions -- and pay for abortion on demand with everyone's taxes," Johnson concluded.

The next step, Johnson suggested, would be "an attempt to smuggle vast expansions of abortion into law through health care reform legislation."

Barack Obama met with Planned Parenthood in 2007 and promised that mandatory abortion coverage would be "at the center, the heart of" his health care reform legislation. In an April 30, 2009, National Public Radio report, Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, confirmed that "health care reform is going to provide a platform" for ensuring that "all women . . . regardless of their income, can get access to the full range of health care options..."

The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) is a national federation of nonsectarian right-to-life organizations, governed by a board elected by the state right-to-life organizations and by members at large.

Missouri Right to Life is the sole Missouri affiliate of the National Right to Life.

News Updates, 5/7

No end to the trend
University of San Francisco to feature dissident bishop, anti-Prop. 8 district attorney at commencement exercises later this month

House GOP Demands Probe of Obama Admin Report Saying Pro-Lifers Extremists
House Republicans have used a rare Congressional procedure to force a potential probe of documents the Obama administration released calling pro-life people "right-wing extremists." The move forces a Congressional panel to vote on a resolution calling for an investigation...
[I'd love to see someone go "medieval' on the crooks, liars and thugs.]

Afghan Taliban Threaten "Harsh Reprisals" if Pope Benedict Doesn't Stop Christian Conversions
The Taliban on Thursday threatened "harsh reprisals" if Pope Benedict XVI does not immediately intervene to stop Christians proselytising in Afghanistan. In a message posted on their official website, the Taliban made the threat against the pope and Christians for spreading their faith.

Jerusalem's Patriarch worried about papal visit
Catholic leader fears consequences from Jews, Muslims

Spain's bishops defend Pope against Congress
Legislature seeks to censure Benedict's condom remarks

Christian girl gang-raped, murdered in Pakistan
Nine-year-old dumped in canal, no one arrested
[The animals responsible for this should be shot with bullet soaked in pig's blood.]

Cardinal: no violence to achieve united Ireland
Says unification is 'legitimate and still noble ideal'

Celebrity priest punished for beach frolicking
Dozens of photos with woman published in magazine

Vatican Swiss Guards consider opening to women
New commander: 'I could imagine it for one job or another'

Maine latest state to legalize same-sex marriage
Poll: 54 percent of Americans are against such measures

Vision for Catholic college unswayed by recession
Ave Maria University vying for ugliest church award

Vatican breaks silence on 'Angels and Demons'
Editorials call film 'ephemeral' but 'alluring'

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Other Issues
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401(k)s Hit by Withdrawal Freezes
Investors Cry Foul as Some Funds Close Exits; Perils of Distressed Markets
[Another example of how the government crooks view the serf. They own all of you, and allow you to have what they decide you can have.]

Hidden By MSM: Life Long Dem. Attorney Slams Obama's Birth Certificate Eligibility (Video)
If Barry has nothing to hide, then why doesn't he produce the proof? Barack Obama has yet to comply to any fact check of his birth certificate. Pennsylvania attorney lays out the case against Obama's "natural born" qualifications. Birth certificate or not; his performance over his first 100 days has proven his lack of qualifications to be President.

Obama Budget Rescinds Oil, Gas Industry Tax Breaks
Chairman MaObama wants to end $26 billion in oil and gas industry tax breaks, calling them ''unjustifiable loopholes'' in the tax system that other companies do not get.
[The lying thug want Americans to pay $5.00/gallon for gas in addition to enslaving every "working" citizen with taxes...]

Hawaii Lawmakers Pass Bill to Create 'Islam Day'
Hawaii's state Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill Wednesday to celebrate "Islam Day" -- over the objections of a few lawmakers who said they didn't want to honor a religion connected to Sept. 11, 2001...
[Mohammed was a deranged satanic child molester...and those who honor this satanic religion are equally deranged and deluded and they walk in darkness.]

Criminals running the country!
Massachusetts welfare recipients provided cars at taxpayer expense...

House bypasses governor’s veto to claim Oklahoma’s sovereignty
Although Gov. Brad Henry vetoed similar legislation 10 days earlier, House members Monday again approved a resolution claiming Oklahoma’s sovereignty. Unlike House Joint Resolution 1003, House Concurrent Resolution 1028 does not need the governor’s approval. The House passed the measure 73-22. It now goes to the Senate.
[It's high time for states to withdraw from the "union" as the Federal government continues to destroy itself and the republic. Narcissistic Chairman Maobama and his crew of incompetents and thugs are hell bent on turning the US into a third world country.]

US public at risk from complacency over flu
ATLANTA, May 6 (Reuters) - The U.S. public could become more vulnerable to a flu pandemic if complacency about the need for heightened vigilance sets in, health experts said on Wednesday.

Gospel for Thursday, 4th Week of Easter

From: John 13:16-20

Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet

(Jesus said to His disciples,) [16] "Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. [17] If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. [18] I am not speaking to you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, `He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' [19] I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am He. [20] Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives any man whom I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me."
___________________________
Commentary:
15-17. Jesus' whole life was an example of service towards men, fulfilling His Father's will to the point of dying on the Cross. Here our Lord promises us that if we imitate Him, our Teacher, in disinterested service (which always implies sacrifice), we will find true happiness which no one can wrest from us (cf. 16:22; 17:13). "`I have given you an example', He tells His disciples after washing their feet, on the night of the Last Supper. Let us reject from our hearts any pride, any ambition, any desire to dominate; and peace and joy will reign around us and within us, as a consequence of our personal sacrifice" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 94).

18. Lifting one's heel against someone means hitting him brutally; metaphorically, therefore, it means violent enmity. Judas' treachery fulfills the words of Psalm 41:10 where the psalmist complains bitterly of a friend's treachery. Once again the Old Testament prefigures events which find their full _expression in the New.

Through Baptism, the Christian has become a son of God and is called to share in God's good things, not only in Heaven but also on earth: He has received grace, he shares in the Eucharistic Banquet..., he shares with his brethren, other Christians, the friendship of Jesus. Therefore, if a person sins who has been born again through Baptism, in some sense his is a sort of treachery similar to Judas'. However, we have the recourse of repentance: if we trust in God's mercy we can set about recovering our friendship with God.

"React. Listen to what the Holy Spirit tells you: `"Si inimicus meus maledixisset mihi, sustinuissem utique"'. If it were the enemy who insulted me, I could put up with that. But you...`"tu vero homo unanimis, dux meus, et notus meus, qui simul mecum dulces capiebas cibos"': you, My friend, My Apostle, who sit at My table and take sweet food with Me!" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 244).

19. Jesus tells the Apostles in advance about Judas' treachery, so that when they see Christ's predictions come true, they will realize He has divine knowledge and that in Him are fulfilled the Scriptures of the Old Testament (cf. John 2:22). On the words "I am", cf. note on John 8:21-24.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.

Principles and Practices - May 7

Jesus, Our Model

But what is the holiness which is proposed to Christians as a model? No other than that of God Himself: 'Be ye therefore perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect': it is Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, it is God made Man, to teach us the way of holiness, who addresses these words to us. What do they really mean? Can we, in very deed, be holy as God is holy? No; it is impossible for us to be holy as He is, or even to approach His infinite perfection. But what­ever may be our holiness, it must be moulded upon His, which is the only source and the only pattern of all holiness.

-Father Jean Grou.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930

Thoughts of St Augustine for May 7

THEREFORE hath Mary chosen the better part, which shall not be taken from her. She wished to be occupied about one thing. She under­stood already, but it is good for us to cleave to the Lord. She sat at the feet of our Head. The more lowly she sat, the more amply did she receive. For the water flows together to the low hollows of the valley, runs down from the rising of the hill.
_________________________
Click here for more information.

From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont

Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-May 7

ALTHOUGH Mary is under an infinite obliga­tion to her Son for having chosen her to be his Mother, yet it cannot be denied that the Son is under great obligation to her for having given him his humanity.And therefore, Jesus, to pay as it were what he owes to Mary, honours her in a special manner by listening to and granting all her petitions.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927

May 7 & 8-National Catholic Prayer Breakfast w/ Abp Burke and Scalia

Featuring as keynote speaker His Excellency, Archbishop Emeritus of St. Louis, Raymond L. Burke, who serves as the Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura and President of the Commission for Advocates.

And special guest speaker is The Honorable Antonin Scalia, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Would be a great event to attend.

More info available here.

Forgive Us Our Trespasses

by Alan Keyes

Worth repeating - again and again:
==================
[FYI: This past weekend Fox news reported the arrest of Randall Terry as he protested against Notre Dame's invitation and honorary degree for Barack Obama. (See Notre Dame: Promoting the Glamour of Evil, and An Open Letter to Father Jenkins.) According to the report "Terry was taken to the St. Joseph County Jail on criminal trespass charges." He has since been released after posting a bond. In light of this occurrence, I feel bound in conscience to make the following statement, commitment and call to all who labor in defense of the God given and unalienable right to life.]

With the arrest of pro-life servant Randall Terry, Father Jenkins and the University administration at Notre Dame take their adulation of evil to a new level of spiritual atrocity.

In a little less than two weeks they will welcome to the university campus a man who represents the most abominable and extreme commitment ever known in US politics to destroying the God given right to life of innocent human offspring. With their actions and the "honor" they confer upon Obama, they will actively promote the lie that it is possible to dishonor God blatantly and unashamedly, yet be somehow "honorable" in the eyes of those who profess faith in Jesus Christ.

Christ said

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:31-40)

These words must ring in the ears of faithful Christians as they consider the grim reality of abortion. Every time abortionists rip a child limb from limb within the womb; every time they crush crush an infant's fragile head; every time they have scorched the life from its body with a death dealing chemical solution; every time they scrape its nascent cells of life from the walls of a womb - Jesus is savagely beaten again; his skull pressed down with thorns; his limbs pulled recklessly in their sockets; his hands and feet pierced through with nails; his breaths infused with fiery pain; his life finally extinguished; every time.

And every time there stands vociferous in the taunting crowd, the ambitious man of blood, Barack Obama. He is crying aloud, "Let Him be crucified." He is justifying the torture, forcing bystanders to aid in the atrocity, assuring that the nails are paid for and the henchmen of evil well fed and rewarded for their role in the daily crucifixion. Even the garments of the innocent children (their little organs or their stem cells), like the vesture of Christ, he prepares for division among those who perpetrate the slaughter.

All his life Randall Terry, seeing this passion play of evil repeated over and over again in our day, has born witness bravely and shamelessly against it. On the day of crucifixion, Christ endures the punishment reserved for infamous rebels and criminals. Fearing that they too would be treated as criminals, Peter and most of the other disciples run and hide. So too do many of us today. Though we profess to believe that abortion breaks God's fundamental law, we will not stand boldly with Jesus as he endures humiliating injustice. We fear for ourselves and shrink from association with the bloody and terrible images of torture and death. But through the years Randall Terry, and those who share his lion's heart for justice, have stood with the Mother of our Lord at the foot of the Cross. They have been sprinkled with the blood and water that gushed from his wounded side. They have received from the pierced and bleeding hand of our Dying Lord, the Blessed Gift by which he made his Mother Our Lady (Notre Dame), the mother of all the faithful ones who endure with Him to the end, receiving His crown of pain, which is also the crown of life.

Instead of cringing inwardly at Randall Terry's bold willingness to be arrested for bearing witness to God's truth, those who understand the gift of Christ's words and example must be moved to imitate his boldness. Tragically, ironically, a supposedly Catholic university and its administration have stepped forward to be the Bull Connors of this era's most clear and pressing battle for God given human rights. They have declared it an offense peacefully to demonstrate the evil of abortion. They have declared it an offense, prayerfully to bear witness to truth on a campus supposedly guided by and subordinate to that truth. Though it is an offense to them, it is a duty to Truth, and to Christ and to God. Wherever there are faithful hearts drawn to do this duty, they must feel now the vocation to join Randall Terry in defiance of this intimidation. I will join him. I ask others who all these years have prayed and labored for the unborn to join us. I know you are there. I have broken bread with you at dinners for crisis pregnancy centers and right to life groups. I have marched with you to proclaim the sanctity of innocent life, and decry the laws that sanction its destruction. I have been uplifted by your faith, your perseverance, your love of God and His son. The forces of evil mean to lay final claim to a place supposed to be within the precincts of our God and Lord. Come what may, we must come forth now to occupy and hold it against them.

I will go to South Bend. I will step foot on the Notre Dame campus to lift up the standard that protects the life of the innocent children of this and every generation. I will do it all day and every day until, if it be God's will, shame and the love of Christ overcome the university administration's vain craving for iniquitous "honor". I will do it though it means I shall be housed every day in the prison house of lies and injustice that Obama, Jenkins and their minions now mean to construct for those who will never be still and silent in the face of their mockery of God and justice, their celebration of evil.

If this be trespass, then forgive us our trespasses and join us in trespassing until the South Bend jail is filled to overflowing with witnesses to truth; filled beyond capacity; filled until we break the most onerous shackles of all- the ones that bind the heart and mind to evil and our nation to the path of its moral and spiritual destruction.
==============
Source.

News Updates, 5/6

Fr. Chris Carpenter Excommunicated in Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona
Fr. Chris Carpenter is now called by some the “Chancellor of the Diocese of St Joseph the Worker in Southern California”. Only he is no longer allowed to hold himself out as a Roman Catholic Priest. He separated himself from the Catholic Church and incurred the penalty of excommunication. That has now been formally recognized by an official decree. However, Chris Carpenter still calls himself a priest. Only now he claims to be a priest for the so called “Reformed catholic church.”

Pope: "Non-Negotiable Human Rights" include "Right to Life and Right to Freedom of Conscience"
Pope Benedict XVI addressed members of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences yesterday at their plenary session which is focused on the theme of Catholic social teaching and human rights, and called for the promotion of universal human rights based on both faith and reason, affirming the "right to life and the right to freedom of conscience and religion as being at the center of those rights that spring from human nature itself."
[Has anyone passed this on to Chairman Maobama and the pseudo-Catholic brownshirts in Congress?]

A brisk Sacramento welcome
Legislators fall over themselves to speak at Planned Parenthood rally, Catholic counterparts get less enthusiastic welcome in competing ‘lobby days’

Pope Benedict to skip Israeli Holocaust Museum
Display questions role of war-time Pope Pius XII

Vatican denies Pope Iraq-visit reports
May 8-15 trip includes Jordan, Israel and Palestine

Church calls on Berlusconi to be more 'sober'
Says Italian PM is a 'mirror of the country's soul'

Jesuit university to honor S African condom bishop
Kevin Dowling has slammed abstinence-only programs

Five Catholic schools close over swine flu threat
In Texas alone 799 schools are closed today

Ave Maria numbers far short of heavenly
Catholic city in Florida hit by economic downturn

Scientists growing transplant organs in sheep
New technology promises new source of organs

Israel's Hebrew Catholics keep the faith
Vicariate established in 1955 by group of convert Jews

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Other Issues
=========

WHO says H1N1 pigs must be kept out of food supply
* WHO expert says flu viruses can survive freezing
* Blood of H1N1 infected pigs may also contain virus
* Meat from sick pigs or pigs found dead must not be eaten
* Existing food safety, trade checks offer ample protection

The Obama Birth Certificate
Under Hawaiian law, it is possible (both legally and illegally) for a person to have been born out of state, yet have a birth certificate on file in the Department of Health. Somehow, you know it’s coming. That OMG moment is just around the corner. You can feel the inescapable reality creeping up on you. Something will leak. Someone will spill the beans...

Chairman Maobama to be Prayer Day no-show
Pres__ent [ID missing] Obama is distancing himself from the National Day of Prayer by nixing a formal early morning service and not attending a large Catholic prayer breakfast the next morning....
[He's not yet ready to show the world that he worships at the feet of his father, Satan! what a thug punk!]

124 Congressman Demand Audit of Federal Reserve
A bill calling for the comptroller general of the United States to audit the private Federal Reserve is gaining widespread support in Congress, as 124 representatives have added their names to its growing list of co-sponsors....

We already knew this would happen!
Chrysler won't repay bailout money
An administration official confirms that a $4 billion bridge loan and $3.2 billion in bankruptcy financing won't be paid back by Chrysler following bankruptcy....
[As long as the UAW is protected at taxpayer expense, we should all be happy, yes? What a bunch of thieving criminals!]

Team Obama May Seek Disbarment of Bush Lawyers...
An internal Justice Department inquiry into the conduct of Bush administration lawyers who wrote secret memorandums authorizing brutal interrogations has concluded that the authors committed serious lapses of judgment but should not be criminally prosecuted, according to government officials briefed on a draft of the findings...

Weiss: The Next Mammoth Failures
Just in the past few days, the United States has moved dramatically closer to the final fork in the road that I set forth in my online video of April 7th: Either a prolonged, agonizing depression that dooms our country to decades of stagnation, decline, and poverty … or a painful-but-shorter depression that paves the way for a wholesome, sustainable recovery.

Chairman Maobama Hints at Tougher Line on Israel
The Obama Administration has signalled a tougher approach towards Israel ahead of fresh talks on the Middle East peace process by insisting it must endorse the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Kalifornia Income Tax Revenue Drops 44%
For the full month of April, income tax receipts were $7.336B. For April 2008, the total was $12.995B. This is a 44% decline. The fiscal YTD is down 20%.

Bernanke likely to give less dour take on economy
[Not really news...When he tells the truth - THAT will be news!]

GM Is Officially Wiping Out Common Shareholders
In a filing today with the SEC, GM announced that it would issue 60 billion new shares, in order to "pay off" debts to the government, its bondholders and the UAW. And since the government would end up being the majority owner, only the approval of the US Treasury would be needed (talk about a gating factor).

AIG bonuses four times higher
AIG now says it paid out more than $454 million in bonuses to its employees for work performed in 2008...That is nearly four times more than the company revealed in late March when asked by POLITICO to detail its total bonus payments....

Senate Democrats Deny Turncoat Arlen Specter Committee Seniority
The Senate dealt a blow tonight to Sen. Arlen Specter's hold on seniority in several key committees, a week after the Pennsylvanian's party switch placed Democrats on the precipice of a 60-seat majority....
[There is no honor among thieves and reprobates]

Gospel for Wednesday, 4th Week of Easter

Optional Memorial (Canada): Bl François de Laval, Bishop

From: John 12:44-50

The Unbelief of the Jews

[44] And Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, believes not in Me, but in Him who sent Me. [45] And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. [46] I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness. [47] If any one hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. [48] He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be His judge on the last day. [49] For I have not spoken on My own authority; the Father who sent Me has Himself given Me commandment what to say and what to speak. [50] And I know that His commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has bidden Me."
______________________
Commentary:
44-50. With these verses St. John brings to an end his account of our Lord's public ministry. He brings together certain fundamental themes developed in previous chapters--the need for faith in Christ (verse 44); the Father and the Son are one yet distinct (cf. 45); Jesus is Light and Life of the world (verses 46, 50); men will be judged in accordance with whether they accept or reject the Son of God (verses 47-49). The chapters which follow contain Jesus' teaching to His Apostles at the Last Supper, and the accounts of the Passion and Resurrection.

45. Christ, the Word Incarnate, is one with the Father (cf. John 10:30); "He reflects the glory of God" (Hebrews 1:3); "He is the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15). In John 14:9 Jesus expresses Himself in almost the same words: "He who has seen Me has seen the Father". At the same time as He speaks of His oneness with the Father, we are clearly shown the distinction of persons--the Father who sends, and the Son who is sent.

In Christ's holy human nature His divinity is, as it were, hidden, that divinity which He possesses with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit (cf. John 14:7-11). In theology "circumincession" is the word usually used for the fact that, by virtue of the unity among the three Persons of the Blessed Trinity, "the Father is wholly in the Son and wholly in the Holy Spirit; the Son wholly in the Father and wholly in the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit wholly in the Father and wholly in the Son" (Council of Florence, "Decree Pro Jacobitis, Dz-Sch", 1331).

47. Christ has come to save the world by offering Himself in sacrifice for our sins and bringing us supernatural life (cf. John 3:17). But He has also been made Judge of the living and the dead (cf. Acts 10:42): He passes sentence at the Particular Judgment which happens immediately after death, and at the end of the world, at His Second Coming or Parousia, at the universal judgment (cf. John 5:22; 8:15-16).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.

Principles and Practices - May 6

True Conception

To understand Our Lord we must put aside our own imperfect ideals, because according to our own desire do we fashion our heroes. He is greater than such ideals. He is no romantic, no poet, no socialist, or philanthropist, no dreamer of a fierce reform. He escapes such categories.

Hardly ever can the word lover be applied to Him without the danger of a false tenderness and senti­mentalism creeping in to blur the outlines of the Gospels. Never shall we know Him as He was and is, if we do not forsake our puny conceptions and sit at His feet like Mary of Bethany or follow Him as the disciples followed Him after He had said to them: 'Come and see.'

-M.C.D'Arcy, S.J.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930

Thoughts of St Augustine for May 6

EVE caused our condemnation through the apple of the tree. Mary wiped it out through the mystery of the tree, because Christ hung on the tree as its Fruit.
_________________________
Click here for more information.

From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont

Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-May 6

WHO is ignorant of the power of the prayers of Mary with God? The law of clemency is on her tongue. Each of her prayers is, as it were, an established law for our Lord, that he should show mercy to all for whom she intercedes.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927

News Update, 5/5

Majority Say Notre Dame Made Mistake Honoring Obama
... By a 60% to 25% margin, U.S. Catholics say the university should not award an honorary degree to Chairman Maobama. Sixty-six percent (66%) of Evangelical Christians share that view along with 52% of other Protestants...
[Refutes lies from the MSM]

Toledo bishop bans 'gay-ministry' conference
Urges Ohio nuns to cancel three-day workshop

'Jane Roe' condemns Notre Dame decision
She's surprised parents haven't pulled kids out
[Let us not attribute malice to that which could be due to gross ignorance]

Vatican plays down issues before Israel trip
Confident controversies won't mar Benedict's visit

Palestinian refugees await Benedict's arrival
Pope due to spend one day in Bethlehem but not in Gaza

Pakistan Christians 'locking themselves in homes'
Following escalating violence against them recently

Israeli pres willing to make concession to Vatican
Peres would yield sovereignty of holy sites to Church

100 rabbis to welcome Pope to Holy Land
Affirm unity in commitment to interreligious dialogue

Bishop: No abortifacients for adolescents
UK plan could supply them to Catholic schoolgirls

Twittering in church, with pastor's okay?
There's a time and a place for technology...

Clergy [Godless sodomy supporters] to lobby on Hill for "gay" rights
The U.S. Episcopal Church's first openly gay [sexual deviant] bishop is among hundreds of clergy members urging Congress to support "gay" rights, including the passage of an expanded hate crimes bill that would give gay victims of violence new federal protections...
[These people are not of God as they have rejected Him and His commandments. Instead they have aligned themselves with sin, evil and darkness...May God have mercy on them.]

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Other Issues
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Texan dies of swine flu; Mexico ready for business
The Texas woman had chronic medical conditions, as did the other U.S. swine flu fatality -- a Mexico City toddler who died last week during a visit to Houston, health officials said.

Comrade Murtha's Nephew Got Millions in Gov't Contracts
A company owned by a nephew of Rep. John Murtha received $4 million from the Defense Department last year for engineering and warehouse services, The Washington Post reported Tuesday. [Comrade] Murtha, D-Pa., is chairman of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.
[The Slanderer, bribe-taker, and liar has always been a corrupt poilitician stealing from the public coffers...The people of Pennsyvania should be "proud."]


Next on Senate agenda? Pedophile Protection Act
The leader of a pro-family organization says families across the nation need to contact their U.S. senators now to try to derail a legislative plan that already has passed the U.S. House and is being awaited by President Obama – after a Democrat confirmed that it would protect "all 547 forms of sexual deviancy or 'paraphilias' listed by the American Psychiatric Association."

Gospel for Tuesday, 4th Week of Easter

From: John 10:22-30

Jesus and the Father are One

[22] It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem; [23] it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. [24] So the Jews gathered round Him and said to Him, "How long will You keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." [25] Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness to Me; [26] but you do not believe, because you do not belong to My sheep. [27] My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; [28] and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. [30] I and the Father are one."
___________________
Commentary:
22. This feast commemorates an episode in Jewish history (cf. 1 Maccabees 4:36-59; 2 Maccabees 1-2:19; 10:1-8) when Judas Maccabeus, in the year 165 B.C., after liberating Jerusalem from the control of the Seleucid kings of Syria, cleansed the temple of the profanations of Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Maccabees 1:54). From then onwards, on the twenty-fifth day of the month of Kislev (November-December) and throughout the following week, all Judea celebrated the anniversary of the dedication of the new altar. It was also known as the "Festival of Lights" because it was customary to light lamps, a symbol of the Law, and put them in the windows of the houses (cf. 2 Maccabees 1:18).

24-25. When these Jews ask Jesus if He is the Messiah, "they speak in this way", St. Augustine comments, "not because they desire truth, but to prepare the way for calumny" ("In Ioann. Evang.", 48, 3). We have already seen Jesus reveal, by His words and deeds, that He is the Only Son of God (5:19ff; 7:16ff; 8:25ff). In view of their good dispositions, He explicitly told the Samaritan woman (4:26) and the man born blind (9:37) that He was the Messiah and Savior. Now He reproaches His listeners for refusing to recognize the works He does in His Father's name (cf. 5:36; 10:38). On other occasions He referred to works as a way to distinguish true prophets from false ones: "You will know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16; cf. Matthew 12:33).

26-29. Certainly faith and eternal life cannot be merited by man's own efforts: they are a gift of God. But the Lord does not deny anyone grace to believe and be saved, because He `wishes all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). If someone tries to avoid receiving the gift of faith, his unbelief is blameworthy. On this point St. Thomas Aquinas teaches: "I can see, thanks to the light of the sun; but if I close my eyes, I cannot see: this is no fault of the sun, it is my own fault, because by closing my eyes, I prevent the sunlight from reaching me" ("Commentary on St. John, ad loc.").

But those who do not oppose divine grace do come to believe in Jesus. They are known to and loved by Him, enter under His protection and remain faithful with the help of His grace, which is a pledge of the eternal life which the Good Shepherd will eventually give them. It is true that in this world they will have to strive and in the course of striving they will sustain wounds; but if they stay united to the Good Shepherd nothing and no one will snatch Christ's sheep from Him, because our Father, God, is stronger than the Evil One. Our hope that God will grant us final perseverance is not based on our strength but on God's mercy: this hope should always motivate us to strive to respond to grace and to be more faithful to the demands of our faith.

30. Jesus reveals that He and the Father are one in substance. Earlier He proclaimed that God was His Father, "making Himself equal with God"--which is why a number of times the Jewish authorities think of putting Him to death (cf. 5:18; 8:59). Now He speaks about the mystery of God, which is something we can know about only through Revelation. Later on He will reveal more about this mystery, particularly at the Last Supper (14:10; 17:21-22). It is something the evangelist reflects on at the very beginning of the Gospel, in the prologue (cf. John 1:1 and note).

"Listen to the Son Himself", St. Augustine invites us. "`I and the Father are one.' He did not say, `I am the Father' or `I and the Father are one [Person].' But when He says, `I and the Father are one,' notice the two words `[we are]' and `one'...For if they are one, then they are not diverse; if `[we] are', then there is both a Father and a Son" ("In Ioann. Evang.", 36, 9). Jesus reveals that He is one in substance with the Father as far as divine essence or nature is concerned, but He also reveals that the Father and the Son are distinct Persons: "We believe then in the Father who eternally begets the Son; in the Son, the Word of God, who is eternally begotten; in the Holy Spirit, the uncreated Person who proceeds from the Father and the Son as their eternal Love. Thus in the three divine Persons, "coaeternae sibi et coaequales", the life and beatitude of God perfectly One superabound and are consummated in the supreme excellence and glory proper to uncreated Being, and always `there should be venerated Unity in the Trinity and Trinity in the Unity'" ([Pope] Paul VI, "Creed of the People of God," 10).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.

Principles and Practices - May 5

Purify the Soul

It appears that the soul, when it shall have purified and emptied itself from all these intelligible forms and images, will then dwell in this pure and simple light transformed thereto in the state of perfection.

This light is ever ready to be communicated to the soul, but does not flow in because of the forms and veils of the creature that embarrass the soul. Take away these hindrances and coverings and the soul in detachment and poverty of spirit will then, being pure and simple, be trans­formed in the pure and sincere Wisdom of God who is the Son.

For then that which is natural having failed, that which is divine flows supernaturallY into the soul, since God leaves nothing empty that He does not fill.

-St. John of the Cross.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930

Thoughts of St Augustine for May 5

EVE took away our immortality. Mary brought us eternity.
_________________________
Click here for more information.

From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont

Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-May 5

IF Assuerus through love for Esther granted, at her request, salvation to the Jews, how can God refuse the prayers of Mary, loving her immensely as he does, when she prays for poor miserable sinners, who recommend themselves to her?
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927

News Updates, 5/4

Catholics attack Dan Brown film Angels and Demons
Catholic leaders have attacked the film sequel to The Da Vinci Code for its "gratuitously outlandish" portrayal of the Church.
[Dopey Opie says Catholics "will enjoy the movie for what it is - an exciting mystery, set in the awe-inspiring beauty of Rome."]

Cleveland bishop reverses another church closing
Parishioners staged strong campaign to save their parish

Archbishop may suspend rebel Brisbane priest
Used Buddhist statues and women preachers at Mass

U.S. House passes expansion of 'hate crime' bill
Definition now includes attack on sexual orientation

Pope's visit to Israel sparks high hopes
Will Benedict XVI support two-state solution?

Priests urged to take precautions against flu
Refrain from serving wine at Communion during Mass

Ron Howard: Vatican obstructed 'Angels & Demons'
Director says Holy See thwarted his filming permits

Pa. bishop criticizes college over Casey speech
Pro-abortion senator spoke on Catholic campus

World's oldest Benedictine monk dies
Father Theodore Heck was 108-years-old

Ultrasound bill wins passage from Texas Senate
'Choose Life' vehicle license plate bill also passes

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Other News
=========

From The Onion: Nation Ready To Be Lied To About Economy Again
After nearly four months of frank, honest, and open dialogue about the failing economy, a weary U.S. populace announced this week that it is once again ready to be lied to about the current state of the financial system...In addition, citizens are requesting that the phrase, "It will only get worse before it gets better," be permanently replaced with, "Things are going great. Enjoy yourselves."...
[Truth or parody or both?]

Mexico Extends school closures to May 11
[Everything is getting better, right?]

After Obama's Speech, How Much Would Corporate America Pay to See His Real Birth Certificate?
After lying to the American people today about American corporations using "illegal" tax havens and bashing corporate America in general, how much do you think corporate America would pay today to see B.O.'s real long-form birth certificate?

Second Wave may return “with a vengeance” in the months ahead
The head of the World Health Organisation hit back at critics who have accused it of over-reaction to the swine flu crisis, warning it may return “with a vengeance” in the months ahead...

Swine Flu May Merge With Other Flu Viruses, CDC Says
Swine flu’s potential to reconfigure its genetic material and become more deadly is a “major concern,” said Anne Schuchat, a scientist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...

Worries Rise on the Size of U.S. Debt
As the Obama administration racks up an unprecedented spending bill for bank bailouts, Detroit rescues, health care overhauls and stimulus plans, the bond market is starting to push up the cost of trillions of dollars in borrowing for the government...

Fed Buys $8.5 Billion in Treasurys
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York bought $8.5 billion in Treasurys on Monday, its biggest purchase to date under its program aimed at improving conditions in private credit markets and spurring lending...

Obama plans corporate tax crackdown
Obama on Monday spelled out his plans to close corporate tax loopholes on U.S. multinational corporations and crack down on overseas tax havens.

Gospel for Monday, 4th Week of Easter

Optional Memorial (Canada): Bl Marie-Léonie Paradis, Religious

From: John 10:1-10

The Good Shepherd

(Jesus said to the Pharisees,) [1] "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; [2] but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. [3] To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [4] When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. [5] A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." [6] This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what He was saying to them.

[7] So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. [8] All who came before Me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. [9] I am the door; if any one enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
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Commentary:
1-18. The image of the Good Shepherd recalls a favorite theme of Old Testament prophetic literature: the chosen people is the flock, and Yahweh is their shepherd (cf. Psalm 23). Kings and priests are also described as shepherds or pastors. Jeremiah inveighs against those pastors who had let their sheep go astray and in God's name promises new pastors who will graze their flocks properly so that they will never again be harassed or anxious (cf. 23:1-6; also 2:8; 3:15; 10:21; Isaiah 40:1-11). Ezekiel reproaches pastors for their misdeeds and sloth, their greed and neglect of their responsibility: Yahweh will take the flock away from them and He Himself will look after their sheep: indeed, a unique shepherd will appear, descended from David, who will graze them and protect them (Ezekiel 34). Jesus presents Himself as this shepherd who looks after His sheep, seeks out the strays, cures the crippled and carries the weak on His shoulders (cf. Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:4-7), thereby fulfilling the ancient prophecies.

From earliest times, Christian art found its inspiration in this touching image of the Good Shepherd, thereby leaving us a representation of Christ's love for each of us.

In addition to the title of Good Shepherd, Christ applies to Himself the image of the door into the sheepfold of the Church. "The Church," Vatican II teaches, "is a sheepfold, the sole and necessary gateway to which is Christ (cf. John 10:1-10). It is also a flock, of which God foretold that He Himself would be the shepherd (cf. Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11ff.), and whose sheep, although watched over by human shepherds, are nevertheless at all times led and brought to pasture by Christ Himself, the Good Shepherd and Prince of shepherds (cf. John 10:11; 1 Peter 5:4), who gave His life for His sheep (cf. John 10:11-15)" ("Lumen Gentium", 6).

1-2. The flock can be harmed in a subtle, hidden way, or in a blatant way through abuse of authority. The history of the Church shows that its enemies have used both methods: sometimes they enter the flock in a secretive way to harm it from within; sometimes they attack it from outside, openly and violently. "Who is the good shepherd? `He who enters by the door' of faithfulness to the Church's doctrine and does not act like the hireling `who sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees'; whereupon `the wolf snatches them and scatters them'" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 34).

3-5. In those times it was usual at nightfall to bring a number of flocks together into one sheepfold, where they would be kept for the night with someone acting as look-out. Then at dawn the shepherds would come back and open the sheepfold and each would call his sheep which would gather round and follow him out of the pen (they were used to his voice because he used to call them to prevent them from going astray) and he would then lead them to pasture. Our Lord uses this image--one very familiar to His listeners--to teach them a divine truth: since there are strange voices around, we need to know the voice of Christ--which is continually addressing us through the Magisterium of the Church--and to follow it, if we are to get the nourishment our soul needs. "Christ has given His Church sureness in doctrine and a fountain of grace in the Sacraments. He has arranged things so that there will always be people to guide and lead us, to remind us constantly of our way. There is an infinite treasure of knowledge available to us: the word of God kept safe by the Church, the grace of Christ administered in the Sacraments and also the witness and example of those who live by our side and have known how to build with their good lives a road of faithfulness to God" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 34).

6. Christ develops and interprets the image of the shepherd and the flock, to ensure that everyone who is well-disposed can understand His meaning. But the Jews fail to understand--as happened also when He promised the Eucharist (John 6:41-43) and spoke of the "living water" (John 7:40-43), or when He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:45-46).

7. After describing His future Church through the image of the flock, Christ extends the simile and calls Himself the "door of the sheep". The shepherds and the sheep enter the sheepfold: both must enter through the door, which is Christ. "I", St. Augustine preached, "seeking to enter in among you, that is, into your heart, preach Christ: if I were to preach other than that, I should be trying to enter by some other way. Through Christ I enter in, not to your houses but to your hearts. Through Him I enter and you have willingly heard me speak of Him. Why? Because you are Christ's sheep and you have been purchased with Christ's blood" ("In Ioann. Evang." 47, 2-3).

8. The severe reproach Jesus levels against those who came before Him does not apply to Moses or the prophets (cf. John 5:39, 45; 8:56; 12:41), nor to the Baptist (cf. John 5:33), for they proclaimed the future Messiah and prepared the way for Him. He is referring to the false prophets and deceivers of the people, among them some teachers of the Law--blind men and blind guides (cf. Matthew 23:16-24) who block the people's way to Christ, as happened just a little before when the man born blind was cured (cf. John 9).
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Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.

Principles and Practices - May 4

Ignorance of the Depths

This is not the place that God has chosen for the uplifting of the heart: the heart takes its rise from deeper down, from the vale of tears. Down there in the depths is the place for the combat and toil. We must tear out and uproot this self-seeking and self-love which have such a living hold upon the heart, and which have struck such deep root in all directions. It means hard labour and few joys, at any rate for the senses. Yet here, too, there are joys, joys which are more real, and in greater fullness. God Himself takes part in the work, and communicates to the worker the gladness or His presence, and this is why he is happy, says the sacred text.
-Very Rev. L. Tissot.
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From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930

Thoughts of St Augustine for May 4

NEVER leave go of the Cross of Christ, and you shall not be drowned; hold hard by Christ.
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From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont

Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-May 4

MARY is a Queen; but, for our common consolation, be it known that she is a Queen so sweet, so clement, and so ready to help us in our miseries, that the Holy Church wills that we should salute her in this prayer (Hail, Holy Queen) under the title of Queen of Mercy.
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From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927

Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Easter

From: John 10:11-18

The Good Shepherd (Continuation)

(Jesus said to the Pharisees,) [11] "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. [13] He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, [15] as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for My sheep. [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed My voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. [17] For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life, that I may take it again. [18] No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from My Father."
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Commentary:
11-15. "The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep": "Here", says St. John Chrysostom, "He is speaking of His passion, making it clear this would take place for the salvation of the world and that He would go to it freely and willingly" ("Hom. on St. John", 59, 3). Our Lord spoke further about giving abundant pasture; now He speaks about giving His very life: "He did what He said He would do", St. Gregory comments; "He gave His life for His sheep, and He gave His body and blood in the Sacrament to nourish with His flesh the sheep He had redeemed" ("In Evangelia Homilae", 14, "ad loc."). Hired men, on the other hand, run away if there is any danger, leaving the flock at risk. "Who is the hireling? He who sees the wolf coming and flees. The man who seeks his own glory, not the glory of Christ; the man who does not dare reprove sinners. You are the hireling; you have seen the wolf coming and have fled [...] because you held your peace; and you held your peace, because you were afraid" (St. Augustine, "In Ioann Evang.", 46, 8).

"Let them remember that their priestly ministry [...] is--in a special way--'ordered' to the great solicitude of the Good Shepherd, solicitude for the salvation of every human being. And this we must all remember: that it is not lawful for any one of us to deserve the name of 'hireling', that is to say, the name of one 'to whom the sheep do not belong', one who, 'since he is not the shepherd and the sheep do not belong to him, abandons the sheep and runs away as soon as he sees the wolf coming, and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep; this is because he is only a hired man and has no concern for the sheep.' The solicitude of every good shepherd is that all people 'may have life and have it to the full', so that none of them may be lost but should have eternal life. Let us endeavor to make this solicitude penetrate deeply into our souls; let us strive to live it. May it characterize our personality, and be at the foundation of our priestly identity" ([Pope] John Paul II, "Letter to Priests", 8 April 1979).

The Good Shepherd knows each of His sheep and calls it by name. This touching simile seems to be an exhortation to future pastors of the Church, as St. Peter will later on explain: "Tend the flock that is your charge, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2).

"The holiness of Christ's Spouse has always been shown--as it can be seen today--by the abundance of good shepherds. But our Christian faith, which teaches us to be simple, does not bid us to be simple-minded. There are hirelings who keep silent, and there are hirelings who speak with words which are not those of Christ. That is why, if the Lord allows us to be left in the dark even in little things, if we feel that our faith is not firm, we should go to the good shepherd. He enters by the door as of right. He gives his life for others and wants to be in word and behavior a soul in love. He may be a sinner too, but he trusts always in Christ's forgiveness and mercy" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 34).

16. "One flock, one shepherd": Christ's mission extends to everyone even though His own preaching is addressed, in the first instance, to the sheep of the house of Israel, as He Himself revealed to the Canaanite woman (cf. Matthew 15:24), and even though He sent the Apostles on their first mission (cf. Matthew 10:6) to preach to the people of Israel. Now, however, foreseeing the fruits of His redemptive death (verse 15), He reveals that these will be applied to "other sheep, that are not of this fold", that is, Israel, and, after the Resurrection, He does send the Apostles to all nations (cf. Matthew 28:19), to preach the Gospel to all creation (cf. Matthew 16:15), beginning in Jerusalem and extending to all Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth (cf. Acts 1:8). This fulfills the ancient promises about the rule of the Messiah covering the whole world (cf. Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 2:2-6; 66:17-19). The universal scope of salvation caused St. Paul to exclaim: "Remember that at one time you...were...separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:11-13; cf. Galatians 3:27-28; Romans 3:22).

The unity of the Church is to be found under one visible head, for "it was to the Apostolic College alone, of which Peter is the head, that we believe that our Lord entrusted all the blessings of the New Covenant, in order to establish on earth the one body of Christ into which all those should be fully incorporated who belong in any way to the people of God" (Vatican II, "Unitatis Redintegratio", 3). It is a Catholic's constant yearning that everyone should come to the true Church, "God's one flock, which like a standard lifted high for the nations to see, ministers the Gospel of peace to all mankind, as it makes it pilgrim way in hope towards its goal, the fatherland above" ("ibid.", 2).

17-18. Jesus shows that of His own free will He will give Himself up to death for the sake of the flock (cf. John 6:51). Having been given supreme authority, Christ is free to offer Himself as a sacrifice of expiation, and He voluntarily accepts His Father's commandment, in an act of perfect obedience. "We will never fully understand Jesus' freedom. It is immense, infinite, as is His love. But the priceless treasure of His generous holocaust should move us to ask, 'Why, Lord, have you granted me this privilege which I can use to follow in Your footsteps, but also to offend You?' Thus we come to appreciate that freedom is used properly when it is directed towards the good; and that it is misused when men are forgetful and turn away from the Love of loves" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 26).
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Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.